Newbie Heating Problems - Help!!

[GARYBAXTER99]

Hello,

I currently have a problem with my current convectional system- the heating kicks on and off okay, but if I switch both the heating and hot water on, everything shuts off. If I switch just the hot water on, nothing happens.

This wasn't a problem until a heating engineer fitted a new motorised valve and pump, and it hasn't worked properly since! The system is old (20 years), and they recommended replacing it (and are claiming that as they recommended replacing it, they are not responisible and can't guarantee any work they did do) therefore them coming out to fix something that wasn't broke until they touched it is going to cost me.

I'm totally new to all this, so unsure if I'm being hosed, or if I'm expecting an unrealistic resolution.

Many questions!
Short term:
Is the problem likely to be the motorised valve or the on/off clock?

Long term:
What is a reasonable quote for fitting a replacement combi boiler and stripping out the old tanks, boiler etc in the South London area?
Are combi boilers compatible with power showers?

General:
Is that standard practice for a company to indemnify themselves from work done, by stating "we recommended you to get a new one, so we're not responsible for what we did"?

I've just sponked £500 yesterday and am in a worse position than I started. I'm looking for a minimal cost to the short term problem as the whole thing is likely to be ripped out and replaced at this rate and I feel like I'm just throwing money at it. Help!

 

[ChrisR]

You don't give exact chronology bit if they've done something and it doesn't work why should you put up with it? They may have advised BEST option but they also have to stand by what they did. You can try threats (carried out) of Trading Standards, the taxman (I bet he asked for cash), you mother in law or whatever.

C-plan is probably what they were trying to do, but ballsed it up.
See http://content.honeywell.com/uk/homes/Catalogue/Sundial Plans/3.1 C Plan.pdf

 

[GARYBAXTER99]

Hi Chris

Thanks for this, the problem I've got is that as it's an old system, it could be another part thats packed up (ie the clock) or shoddy fitting/parts installed by the fitter. |Or even a knockon effect on a part he didn't touch, as a result of his work.

If it's the former, then it's my liability and means getting a new system fitted is closer and closer. If it's the fitters fault, then I'm not paying a penny more. The catch 22 is diagnosing the problem without shelling out for more work, as if more work is needed, then I'll stop throwing money at it as a short term fix and save up for a new one.

Does that make sense?

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

Does Agile stretch to south London?

Sounds like a basic wiring cock up which is worrying especially on a C plan (if thats what you got). This is very basic.

Replacement m/vlv or newly cut in?

David

 

[Agile]

No my rubber bands dont stretch so far ( although I am sending an engineer to SW something tomorrow but thats a favour for an existing client! )

However, Chris, above, IS based in South London !!!

He is well placed to come and give an independent appraisal of the situation.

We are all rather ignorant of the real facts! We dont know who came before. We dont understand how you can have been realistically charged £500 for changing a motorised valve. That should have cost between £120 and £160 at most normal rates, thats inclusive!

Tony

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

WOW,

London rates are competetive. I base a 3 port change (always to honeywell if a spring return) on 1 1/2 - 3 hours labour and charge £150 and this is in south beds.

3 hours might seem excessive but on the gas board every drain down was given 186 minutes.

May be different now!

David

 

[Agile]

And dont forget BG would now charge £140 or a bit less if they supplied the gas !!

Maybe you are out of touch up there in Bedfordshire?

The signpost here says " Watford and The North " !

Tony